4th Annual Gingerbread Competition

 

The American Institute of Architects-Southwestern Oregon Chapter and Architects Building Community invite everybody to participate in Eugene’s 4th Annual Gingerbread Competition and Silent Auction. The contest is an opportunity for gingerbread architects and artisans of all ages and abilities to show off their creativity and culinary crafting skills! An expert jury of confectioners and lovers of all things wonderfully sweet and beautiful will award prizes to the gingerbread creations they deem the most deserving. 

Each entrant will design, bake, assemble, and decorate a fully edible or compostable gingerbread structure. The organizers will prominently display all of the submitted entries between Friday, December 11 and December 25, 2015 in an assortment of downtown Eugene storefronts. The competition is without question a festive tradition worth supporting and participating in! 

Interested in taking part? If so, be sure to submit your entry form online before this coming Thursday, December 10. Once you’ve entered, use every ounce of your imagination to design your own inimitable gingerbread fantasy. Delight, whimsy, inventiveness, and enchantment are definitely the order of the day. 

Note that the displayed structures will be unrefrigerated. Build your entry upon a sturdy decorated base no larger than 24” x 24”. The base doesn’t have to be compostable but the rest of the structure should be. The finished design should not overhang the base. There are no height restrictions, but like all good architecture, your gingerbread handiwork must be structurally sound (just in case the “big one” rattles us this holiday season!).

Deliver your creation between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday, December 10 OR between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Friday, December 11 to the Octagon, Center for Architecture, located at 92 East Broadway.  

Judging will take place on Saturday, December 12 and will be based on the creativity of approach, quality of construction, and observation of the rules. Awards include, but are not limited to: 

• People’s Choice Award
• Best in Show
• Most Unusual
• Most Innovative use of Materials
• Most Accurate Recreation of an Existing Building 

Since its inception just a few short years ago, the Gingerbread Competition has grown to become a Eugene holiday tradition. I expect this year’s addition to be bigger and better than ever and a seasonally welcome addition to the downtown scene! 

What: 4th Annual Gingerbread Competition 

When: December 11-25, 2015 

Where (display): Assorted downtown Eugene storefronts 

Entry Deadline: December 10, 2015 

Cost:  FREE

Entry Forms: HERE

Finish Strong: Octagon Update

Interior of the Octagon.

 

Will Dixon, AIA provided another update last week about progress on renovation of the Octagon, Eugene’s own “center for architecture.” AIA-SWO’s Thursdays at Three weekly newsletter first published this update but I’m reposting it here for the benefit of my blog’s readership. 

As I’ve mentioned before, Will is the project’s chief advocate and driving force. Thanks to his efforts and that of the many who have contributed their time and materials, we’re seeing the Octagon transformed into a versatile and attractive headquarters for both AIA-SWO and Architects Building Community. 

Here’s Will’s latest update: 

September 25th Octagon Build-Out Update
by Will Dixon, AIA

First of all, happy Autumnal Equinox to everyone, and welcome to Fall 2014! 

Most of you should have received a “Finish Strong” postcard in the mail by now asking for your financial support to help us complete the build-out of the Octagon, our new Center for Architecture.  Please give generously today!  It’s nearly ready, but we need your help to reach the finish line this year.  Your donation is tax-deductible, and will benefit our local AIA chapter for many years to come. 

Note: despite being in the middle of a construction zone as of late, the Octagon has already proved itself as a great place for SWO Board and committee meetings, 24/7 display, community events, and “Luncheon-Learns” which are a great source of funding for our chapter.  The Octagon is essentially an extension of each and every one of our offices, and gives our chapter a real presence right in the heart of downtown.  It’s our new home!  To learn more about the story behind the Octagon: http://www.abc4.us/aia-swo-octagon-story 

To make a donation online: http://www.abc4.us/donate 

To mail in your donation, please send to:

The Octagon
c/o AIA-SWO
92. East Broadway
Eugene, OR 97401 

The last 9wood ceiling panel has been put in place and we had our final building inspection on Tuesday of this week, so all is complete and finaled as far as permits go.  Some minor cosmetic touch-up still needs to be done on the panels, but boy does it look good, especially as a great backdrop to the very cool looking Big Ass Fan (10 foot diameter!). 

Neal and Justin’s (Neon Latitudes) cold cathode, artistic lighting installation is finished and looks absolutely stunning!  And, it’s complete with two, separately switched zones for both inside and outside.  How these two crawled around up there is still a wonder to me.  (Thanks guys!) 

Carl Oslund (Oslund Design Inc.) and I are continuing to work on signage and branding. 

Fine woodworker Tom Clark (of Divine Light Altars) is putting the final touches on the remaining cabinetry with countertop to be installed near the front entry, as well as our new conference table which is going to be 7’ diameter and made out of thick apple plywood.  And, Tom is aiming to have these pieces finished and installed by end ofMonday next week!  If you’d like to see some of Tom’s phenomenal woodwork, click here: http://divinelightaltars.com. 

I was able to attain the last remaining lighting track pieces that we needed through HL Stearns in Portland, and they were shipped all the way from New York City.  After Stan Honn coordinated with Bob from Gary Pierce Painting to get them painted, Kyla and Wayne (of Lynn’s Electric) graciously came back to the Octagon to have them installed. 

We’ve also prepped the space for future installation of an Overhead Projector, drop-down Screen, and Speakers.  This A/V equipment will be used for future Luncheon-Learns, seminars and other professional presentations, movie nights, and more! 

Note: your donations will help us to secure these and other necessary items, including a gallery Display System, Donor Recognition Display, Gallery Lighting, Shades, Signage, and Furniture.  All of the work and material thus far has come from donations and sponsorships, volunteer work, and much out of-pocket expense. 

As always, we greatly appreciate all of the 30+ donors thus far who have given their expertise, material, patience, and positive attitude towards our new Center for Architecture!  This wouldn’t have been possible without their support! 

Thank you! 

Will
SWO Past Poobah ‘14

The AIA-SWO Octagon Story

Recent view of work in progress at the Octagon (my photo)

Walk by the Octagon in downtown Eugene these days and you’ll notice a lot of activity going on. Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers (led by Will Dixon, AIA) and the generosity of more than 30 supportive donors, the headquarters for AIA-Southwestern Oregon and Architects Building Community is coming together nicely.(1)   

True to AIA-SWO’s vision of “driving positive change through the power of design,” the Octagon is destined to become a well-used resource for the chapter, ABC, and indeed the entire community. AIA-SWO executive director Don Kahle recently wrote about its future potential as Eugene’s own vibrant center for architecture:

“The eight-sided glass structure just south of Summit Bank has always been a little 'jewel box' but since the local architects made it their permanent home, it glistens the way it should. Its lighting scheme catches the eye after dark, drawing downtowners to view the window displays. Most weekday afternoons, it forms the center of a small food court, with different food carts setting up each day of the week. The expansive covering makes it seem like the covered porch that downtown always wishes it had.

The 14 windows are cleverly lit, showing an ever-changing display of art and architecture, educating and inspiring Eugene and its residents to consider and reconsider the value of good design. Local businesses use the window display to demonstrate how the work they do has the elegance of good design embedded, if only you know where (and how) to look.

Inside the architects have built a space that is both welcoming and versatile. Whether it’s a reception before an Art Walk, a lecture about urban planning, a hands-on tutorial session for a software package, a poetry slam, or a board meeting, the space “just works.” If there are those who want to observe — or even participate — from their home computers or from a second site, the technology is built into the space. Nobody has to be a super-geek to use the screen, projector, Powerpoint, and video remote capabilities.

Although the space is used by dozens of groups (for a modest rental fee), the architects use it for their board and committee meetings, as well as twice-monthly “Luncheon Learns,” where professionals learn the latest news from vendors and suppliers who make their businesses and buildings perform better.

Downtown businesses who want to get out of the office for a half-day retreat or need a conference room only a few hours each week use the Octagon as an extra space. Artists of every sort enjoy having their work displayed in a site where anyone can see it anytime. And the public loves the space for gathering at lunchtime, or wandering past for unexpected inspiration.”

The Octagon build-out is nearing a major milestone, which is completion of the initial renovation. I figure that all of the major new interior building elements (flooring, lighting, ceiling fan, and custom casework) will be in place within the next month to provide a useful meeting and gallery space freed of major construction activity. Will and his project team anticipate completing the entire project (including the display systems, audio-visual equipment, plaza lighting, and donor recognition) by October of this year, at which time there will be a celebratory party.

Will has been providing regular updates on progress at the Octagon as part of AIA-SWO’s Thursday @ Three weekly e-newsletter. Look for those and stay informed about the latest news regarding the project.

*    *    *    *    *    *

Despite the ongoing improvements, you can visit the Octagon and enjoy a current exhibit of amazing final projects by the students who participated in this year’s Architects in Schools program. Architects in Schools is administered by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon and is intended to help 2nd through 6th graders develop an awareness of the built environment through classroom sessions with a local design professional. The Octagon shares the honor of displaying this special youth arts project with the Jacobs Gallery at the Hult Center until June 12.

(1)   The impressive list of companies who have donated services or materials includes:

• 9wood
• Big Ass Fans
• Emser Tile
• Evolve Design
• Frontier Builders
• Gary Pierce Painting
• Harvey & Price Mechanical Contractors
• Heartwood Carving
• Honn Design & Construction
• Luma Lighting Design
• Lynn’s Electric
• May or May Not Construction
• Neon Latitudes
• Oslund Design
• Pioneer Engineering
• Virco

The City

Willamette Street looking north, March 1959 (image source: University of Oregon Libraries, photo by Marion Dean Ross)

Currently on display in the windows of the Octagon is “The City,” an exhibit of intriguing photographs contrasting “then and now” views of downtown Eugene. The exhibit is one of what is hoped by AIA-Southwestern Oregon and Architects Building Community to be an ongoing series devoted to topics of general interest to the public about architecture and urban design. 

Historic City Photography
What often fades quickly from memory is what physically existed before and what has changed. Eugene is not an old city but it already has many layers. Its urban form has been surprisingly dynamic. Stories and memories live on, and the locations of familiar streets remain the same, but individual buildings and the streetscapes they form have changed in remarkable ways. 

The images of “The City” allow us to observe the fourth dimension of city experience by focusing on a few of Eugene’s primary city streets at different points in history. AIA-SWO member firm Rowell Brokaw Architects assembled the exhibit by selecting historic photographs from the collections of the University of Oregon Libraries under a Creative Commons License. Rowell Brokaw’s motivation for the project is derived from the firm’s commitment to the betterment of cities and its fascination with their changes over time. 

“The City” is on public display at the Octagon, located at 92 East Broadway in downtown Eugene, through May 31, 2013.

November AIA-SWO Chapter Meeting Recap

AIA-SWO Octagon Charrette - 11-28-12 (panoramic photo by Will Dixon, AIA)

A good time was had by all at November’s AIA-Southwestern Oregon chapter meeting. The festive setting (courtesy of The Actors Cabaret production of Christmas: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year) provided a seasonably apt backdrop for a members-only design charrette devoted to identifying ways to physically improve the Octagon, AIA-SWO’s new office, conference, and display space in downtown Eugene. 

Divided into five different teams, the charrette participants thought outside the box (or, in this case, the octagon) to come up with a variety of ideas, some practical and others more fanciful. Highlights included vibrant ceiling treatments, multi-layered lighting ideas, interlocking flexible furnishings, and eye-catching site signage. 

Ultimately, the goal is to create a showcase for architecture AIA-SWO members will be proud of. Much like recently formed centers for architecture in Portland, New York, Philadelphia, and other cities, AIA-SWO and Architects Building Community (ABC) envision the Octagon as a destination for anyone interested in learning about the built environment and how it impacts their health and quality of life. 

With its tall glass walls, the Octagon has already proven to be a wonderful means to exhibit the work of architects and carry out ABC’s mission "to support public education, community outreach, and well-informed public involvement in planning design excellence for our communities and public spaces." ABC recently replaced the display of the 2012 People’s Choice Award winners with the 100 Years of Design Excellence exhibit produced by AIA Oregon. Future displays will attempt to bring citizens in touch with their physical environment by helping them understand the importance of design excellence, beautiful public spaces, good civic architecture, and sustainable, family-friendly neighborhoods. 

Nir Pearlson, AIA describes his team's concepts for the Octagon (my photo)

The Octagon’s chief limitation is its tiny size and the modest resources of its two resident organizations. The charrette may prove useful by inspiring a suite of cost-effective improvements that help realize AIA-SWO’s and ABC’s shared vision of a nexus for discussions about architecture in southwestern Oregon. 

The chapter is assembling an Octagon Committee, which will convene in 2013 to review the full range of ideas proposed during the charrette, identify those worthy of further development and implement them. If you’re interested in being a member of this committee, be sure to sign up when the call comes for you to identify which AIA-SWO volunteering opportunity appeals to you most.

Architects Building Community

The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architectural profession and the resource for its members in service to society. Through its culture of innovation, the institute’s Southwestern Oregon chapter (AIA-SWO) empowers local architects and inspires creation of a better built environment. During its sixty years of existence, AIA-SWO has also sponsored efforts to elevate discussion about architecture and urban design in the communities its members serve. 

AIA-SWO recently established Architects Building Community (ABC), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to deploying architects and others committed to the betterment of the built environment. The non-profit’s mission is “to support public education, community outreach, and well-informed public involvement in planning design excellence for our communities and public spaces.” Fundamentally, the charge of the ABC board of directors, comprised of past presidents of AIA-Southwestern Oregon, is to identify and fund projects that support this mission. 

Of course, what constitutes design excellence to one person may not be the same for another. This is too often true when it comes to the perceptions of professional architects versus those of the general public.  Regardless, ABC believes there are objective criteria that can be agreed upon by everyone. The best examples of good design, whether at the scale of an individual residence or a city, follow universal, time-honored principles. 

Still very much in its nascent stage, ABC is now ready to request proposals from groups or individuals for projects that would advance the design excellence dialogue in our communities. Such projects might include production of a public lecture series presenting widely respected speakers in architecture and urban planning, or perhaps a community workshop focused upon a design challenge of common concern. ABC’s board of directors will vet all proposals and disburse funds to those projects it deems most deserving and consistent with its design excellence vision. 

ABC’s monetary support comes from corporate sponsors, charitable foundations, and individual donors. The organization is also a member the Oregon Cultural Trust. This means any Oregon donor can double his or her support (up to $500, $2500 for corporations) of Oregon culture—at no cost to the donor—by making a matching donation to the Trust and taking an Oregon tax credit for that match. Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce tax liabilities dollar for dollar, making the second donation completely free to the donor. Additionally, ABC is eligible to compete for the millions distributed each year by the Trust. 

What’s more, ABC is an eScrip member organization. eScrip is a fundraising program in which participating merchants contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to the organization of your choice at no additional cost to you. Participating merchants in the AIA-Southwestern Oregon chapter area include Market of Choice and Safeway. The eScrip program brings an unprecedented ease of use and many other advantages to fundraising. Simply buy groceries at your favorite supermarket as you normally do and ABC is the winner. Sign up at http://www.escrip.com/. 

Is ABC the start of something big? The members of the ABC board certainly hope so. They welcome your support, either by means of your direct contributions or via eScrip. If you have a project you believe merits ABC’s backing, you’ll soon be able to find details at the organization’s website about how you can submit your proposal. 

Ultimately, ABC hopes its efforts will foster a culture of admiration and enthusiasm for design excellence amongst those who most influence and shape our communities. If ABC successfully instills public appreciation for the importance of good design, we'll all be the beneficiaries.

The Octagon

Eugene mayor Kitty Piercy (left) officially opens the Octagon (all photos by me).

Another incredibly pleasant autumn evening this past Friday provided a perfect backdrop to showcase the Octagon, Eugene’s new center for architecture. Located at 92 East Broadway in the heart of downtown, the Octagon is now home base for both AIA-Southwestern Oregon and Architects Building Community (ABC). 

As a featured stop on October’s First Friday ArtWalk, the event attracted a large audience. Eugene mayor Kitty Piercy officially took the wraps off of the Octagon. Others who commemorated the occasion with brief addresses included 2012 Eugene Slug Queen Sadie Slimy Stitches, AIA-SWO president Kurt Albrecht, and ABC director Michael Fifield. 

2012 AIA-SWO president Kurt Albrecht, AIA cuts the first pieces of the octagon-shaped cake commemorating AIA-SWO's first sixty years as a chapter.

Everybody on hand appeared to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to mingle with members of the AIA-SWO community, view the display of the 2012 People’s Choice Award winners, taste some outstanding wine or craft beer, and indulge in the octagon-shaped birthday cake celebrating AIA-SWO’s sixtieth birthday. It was a great time and a perfect debut for the Octagon. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Octagon’s name is a play upon the space’s unique shape as well as the namesake Octagon in Washington, DC—chosen by the American Institute of Architects as its headquarters in 1899 and now a National Historic Treasure. The providential coincidence of geometry and institutional allusion endow the modest structure with a measure of significance that AIA-SWO and ABC will make the most of. 

Travis Sheridan, Assoc. AIA and Will Dixon, AIA.

Huge credit for not only the success of the unveiling but also recognizing the potential of transforming the vacant space into the Octagon goes to AIA-SWO president-elect Will Dixon, AIA. He, along with his colleague Travis Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, did the heavy lifting when it came to setting up the People’s Choice display, securing sponsors and donations for the party, and generally ensuring the event’s success. Thanks Will and Travis! 

*   *   *   *   *   *

 

Thank you to the following generous companies for providing goods and services for the Octagon opening and AIA-SWO 60th birthday celebration: 

• Cookie Conscious
• Cornucopia Catering
• Will Dixon, AIA Architect
• Harris Design & Print
• Oakdale Cellars
• Oakshire Brewing
• Rachel Rainwater Photography
• Rhythm & Blooms
• Gene Stringfield Building Materials

 

"Folk-Grass" performers Damiana provided the evening's entertainment.

*   *   *   *   *   *

 

With its tall glass walls, the Octagon will be a wonderful means to exhibit the work of architects and support ABC’s mission "to support public education, community outreach, and well-informed public involvement in planning design excellence for our communities and public spaces." In addition to exhibits programmed by ABC, the windows can also be rented by members of AIA-SWO and the broader community for the purpose of displays dedicated to design and architecture.

The Octagon is also available for anyone to use as a meeting space. With parking conveniently located immediately south in the Overpark, it’s perfect for downtown gatherings of 6-15 people. AIA-SWO has established a very reasonable rate chart for use in three-hour slots or by the day. Check out http://www.aiaswo.org/2012a/Octagon_rates4AIA.pdf for more information about both meeting and public display opportunities.

Happy Birthday(s) to Us!

Everybody loves a party, right? How about three parties in one? Join your friends and colleagues for a big, happy celebration this Friday, October 5! We’re commemorating not only AIA-Southwestern Oregon’s 60th anniversary, but also the first birthday of Architects Building Community and the grand unveiling of the Octagon, the new home for both AIA-SWO and ABC. 

Thanks to its membership, AIA-SWO is stronger and more active than ever before. Sixty years on, our chapter continues to fulfill its charter promise to unite our profession in fellowship while ensuring its members are of ever-increasing service to society. We all deserve a big pat on the back for the countless positive contributions we’ve made to our community’s built environment. 

Architects Building Community is one year old and starting to find its footing. If you’re not familiar with ABC, it’s a new, 501c(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting public education, community outreach, and well-informed public involvement in planning design excellence for our communities and public spaces. Come to the party to learn more about ABC and its exciting plans. 

The Octagon’s name is a play upon the space’s unique geometry as well as the namesake Octagon in Washington, DC—chosen by the American Institute of Architects as its headquarters in 1899 and now a National Historic Treasure. Located at 92 East Broadway, the Octagon is destined to become a downtown icon, the center of gravity for architecture in southwestern Oregon. We imagine great things happening here. 

The party is also a gala for everyone, the third stop for October’s First Friday Artwalk in Eugene. It’s our chance as architects to step out on the town, strut our stuff, and share our joy for architecture with our neighbors. We’ll showcase the 2012 winners of the People’s Choice, Colleagues’ Choice, and Mayor’s Choice awards. Mayor Kitty Piercy will commemorate the occasion on behalf of the City of Eugene. There will be musical entertainment, and fine wine by Oakdale Cellars. And of course it wouldn’t be birthday party without a cake, an octagonal one no less, courtesy of Cornucopia Catering. 

So, mark your calendars and be sure not to miss the social event of the season. We’ll save a piece of cake for you! 

What:               AIA-SWO & ABC Birthday Bash 

When:              7:00 PM – Friday, October 5, 2012 

Where:            The Octagon, 92 East Broadway, downtown Eugene 

Cost:               Free!

Building Community Vision

If your calendar is open at lunch this coming Friday, September 7, plan on attending the inaugural City Club of Eugene meeting for 2012-13. The meeting will feature a presentation of the winners of the 24th annual AIA-Southwestern Oregon People's Choice Awards, as well as attempt to answer the question why good design should matter to our community. Voting for the People's Choice Awards took place during last month's Eugene Celebration.

For those unfamiliar with City Club, its mission is to “build community vision through open inquiry.” The Club explores a wide range of significant local, state, and national issues and helps to formulate new approaches and solutions to problems. Club members have a direct influence on public policy by discussing issues of concern with elected officials and other policy makers. Membership is open to all.

Given City Club’s mission, its regular Friday forums are a natural fit for the promotion of design excellence. Accordingly, AIA-SWO and Architects Building Community (ABC) recognize the value of forging a cooperative and lasting relationship with City Club. 

In addition to the announcement of the People’s Choice Award winners, Mayor Kitty Piercy will announce her three favorite projects of the past year, winners of the Mayor’s Choice Award.  

Rounding out the program will be a panel discussion about how well-designed buildings improve the lives of everyone. The scheduled panelists are: Michael Fifield, FAIA, interim head of the UO’s Department of Architecture; Robin Hostick, urban planner for the City of Eugene; and Kaarin Knudsen, Associate AIA from Rowell Brokaw Architects. Following the panel's discussion will be City Club's famously robust Q & A period. 

City Club meets at noon for lunch on the top floor of the Eugene Hilton. City Club is offering AIA members the same rate that its own members enjoy: $14 for lunch or beverage and dessert for $5. Guest/Gallery admission is $5 (free for City Club members). 

If you can't make the meeting, listen to it on KLCC (89.7 FM) next Monday evening at 6:30 PM.

What: City Club of Eugene meeting: 24th ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS…And Why it Matters to People Like You

When: Friday, September 7, 2012  11:50 am to 1:30 pm

Where: Eugene Hilton, 12th Floor Vistas Ballroom, 66 East 6th Avenue in downtown Eugene